Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) has released its August 2025 UK Credit Card Market Report, highlighting intensifying financial stress among cardholders. The report shows that the average active card balance has risen to a record £1,915, up 1.1% month-on-month and 4.9% year-on-year. Meanwhile, the percentage of total balance paid has dropped to 34.3%, a 1.6% decrease from July and 6.2% lower than the same month last year. Although average monthly spending increased slightly to £815, it remains 2.4% lower year-on-year. The data also reveals an increase in accounts exceeding credit limits and a rise in cash withdrawals on credit cards, reflecting growing financial pressures. FICO recommends that issuers closely monitor risk indicators and proactively manage credit limits and collections to mitigate escalating balances.